Washington State won’t extend deadline for health insurance sign-up

Just a reminder that although the Obama administration announced Wednesday that it was extending the March 31 health insurance sign-up deadline for those having technical issues, the deadline for Washington state residents stands.

Richard Onizuka, CEO for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, said that the state won’t be extending the deadline for state residents seeking coverage through the state-run insurance exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder.
If you need assistance in getting registered, David Preston of the Edmonds-based Insurance Resource Group said people are welcome to call his office for assistance. “We will field as many calls as we can or get them to someone else,” he said.

Preston can be reached at 425-771-6614.

Here’s the full statement from Richard Onizuka:

Customers must complete the entire application process and submit payment by 11:59 pm on March 31 to qualify for coverage beginning May 1. Otherwise, customers may enroll during the next open enrollment period of Nov. 15, 2014 to Feb. 15, 2015 for coverage that takes effect in 2015.

Consideration may be provided on a case-by-case basis for individuals who were technologically unable to complete and pay for their coverage prior to March 31 at 11:59 pm due to an error with the Washington Healthplanfinder system. The Exchange will contact customers who are not able to complete their applications with information about receiving coverage after the deadline, but affected customers may also call 1-855-923-4633 or email customersupport@wahbexchange.org to report their situation. This does not include customers who submit incomplete or incorrect information, or did not take steps to finish their current application in the system.

Customers may enroll outside of the standard open enrollment period if they have a qualifying event, such as getting married or having a baby. Those who qualify for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) may enroll at any point during the year, as well as American Indians/Alaskan Natives and Indians eligible for services through an Indian health care provider.”

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